There's just something about Christmas lights. So pretty, so twinkly. They may be my favorite sign of the holidays. But how early is too early to put them up, and how late is too late to take them down?

I noticed the first ones in my neighborhood last week... which I think is a little early, but certainly not as early as the mall lights went up (I think that started in October). My boss thinks the Friday following Thanksgiving (or even Thanksgiving night itself!) is the perfect time, but I like to wait until the Sunday after. (I like my Thanksgiving to breathe a bit). And we've all got that neighbor — is it you? — who never really takes them down after the holidays, or waits so long that it seems silly, since they would just have to put them right back up again. And oh MAN I can't believe I haven't mentioned this yet, but who can forget the epitome of Christmas light frustration, then triumph: Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Well, just in case you've got some Clark-like issues with lighting up your home and yard, we've got an expert light hanger ready to offer tips and take your questions. Leave 'em here....